Reviews (1)

Most readable for the layperson
This is a book that has been around for many years and is regularly updated to reflect the current knowledge on alcohol and alcoholism. I have used it as a text for undergraduates for a number of years and still find it to be the most comprehensive and readable book on the subject around. If you are a professional or simply a person interested in the subject, it is likely to have the information you are looking for. It is NOT a book solely about alcoholism, but is about alcohol and how it affects (physiologically, medically, socially, behaviorally)those who consume it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. Medical    3. Nursing - Nutrition    4. Physical Education    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Addiction    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Addiction & therapy   

Reviews (1)

Anger, Alcoholism, and Addiction
I love this book because anger is one of the most frequent unresolved issues in early recovery that lead people to relapse. This book explain the meaning of anger and it relationship with addiction and recovery and teachus how to deal with a part of our inner self in a constructive way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Anger    3. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    4. Drug abuse    5. General    6. Psychology    7. Social Work Techniques    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    10. Treatment    11. therapy    12. Counselling    13. Drug addiction & substance abuse    14. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (14)

Extremely wistful yet basic
I think this book is extremely wistful.It elaborates on the obvious which is that alcohol or drugs are not the problem....it is the feeling that makes one want to use them.The discovery of the issues and then learning some new tools as to how to manage them will erradicate the need for alcohol or drugs.Also, the book discusses how one must be very careful as to how we define ourselves as that can affect our self esteem and future choices (for example saying I am Julie and I am an alcoholic).This book describes a program in which the "user" is not being punished but rather becomes enlightened so that there really can be a cure rather than a "white knuckling" through life on life's terms.

Prentiss is enlightening, and captivating on our nation's growing problem with alcohol and drug addiction.
In his book, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure: A Holistic Approach to Total Recovery, Chris Prentiss exposes the myth of alcoholism as a life-long addiction. His sparkling new concepts literally blast away what he calls 'the stagnation that has clogged the minds of millions, and prevented people from seeing what was right in front of their eyes all along:that alcoholism and addiction are not diseases, they are not even the problem' Chris Prentiss is cofounder and co-director with his son, Pax, of Passages Malibu Drug Rehab, the world's most successful treatment program for reversing alcoholism and drug dependency. His book has dramatically turned around the lives of hundreds of alcohol-dependent and drug-dependent people. The Alcoholism & Addiction Cure contains the incredible program to total recovery that is the basis of the miraculous success of Passages. For the first time, this book reveals:
An Essential book for the whole of Western Society
This book is greatly needed in our Society where addiction is rife, acceptable at low levels and devastating at other levels.Pax's story is incredible and moving and as a person who works closely with addicted people who have found themselves lock behind bars or in a personal prison of addition at home, its a revelation.Lets embrace change, move into a healthy future and help ourselves overcome our slavery to drugs and alcohol. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health Care Issues    2. Recovery    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    5. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    6. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse   

Reviews (3)

Must read!
The author is knowledgeable and has first hand experience.
An in-depth guide into addiction and recovery
An insightful book about the connection between spirituality and addiction.This book gave me a great deal of insight into addiction and recovery that will prove to be quite useful to me in my career.I appreciate the author's openness about his own addiction.I cannot say enough good things about this book.It broaches a very difficult subject and does it in an engaging and respectful manner.

Wonderful Book
A very welcomed addition to addiction liturature!The theology presented gives new insight into alcoholism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Biblical teaching    4. Christianity    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    6. Christianity - General    7. Rehabilitation    8. Religion    9. Religious aspects    10. Self-Help    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    12. Twelve-step programs    13. Christian life & practice    14. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    15. Illness & addiction: social aspects   

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Education    3. Elementary School Science And Health    4. General    5. Prevention    6. Study and teaching (Secondary)    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Substance abuse    9. United States    10. Alcoholism    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse   

Reviews (5)

This Book: My Life-preserver
I first read this book 25 years ago when I was entangled in my family of "executive drinkers"- -and found that I was repeatedly dating and working with alcoholics.The theory of the origins of alcoholism may or may not be accurate.What saved my life was reading the scripts.They describe the behavior of the alcoholic, those around her/him, and the inevitable results of denial.I saw myself, my family, my whole lifestyle. I saw the danger that I was in . . . .and I acted.I changed my location, my profession, and recreation preferences.Recalling the scripts in this book have kept me from again becoming entangled with destructive people. I have had a happy and productive life ever since.I can't recommend this book enough.

Cuts to the chase

An alcoholic speaks
To say alcoholism is not a disease is an insult to us alcoholics out there. I just finished treatment for alcoholism a week ago and got a new perspective on my condition and got to hear stories from other alcoholics like me.Alcoholism is a disease.It is an incurable disease which comes from a gene in your system.This gene takes away the choice to drink in a normal manner.Any alcoholic would tell you that they would give anything to get rid of this disease and be able to drink normally in social situations but they cannot.Many have went through treatment, thought they were cured, and started drinking again under the assumption that they could now drink normally with no consequences.They reason they failed was because this gene which causes their disease has taken away their choice.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Psychopathology - Addiction    3. Self-Help    4. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    5. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (5)

As a heroin addict I loved this book
As a heroin addict I loved this book, I read it over and over the stories were very real and the information very correct, I highly recommend this book to anyone... esp if you are a family member of an addict, an addict or work in the field of addiction, I myself have spent 28 days at The Betty Ford center, in addition to at least 39 other programs so I have a fair amount of knowledge of the subject and I still learned much from this book.

Rave
The best book on the subject I've ever read.Brilliant, incisive and comprehensive.Highly recommend this book!Great for students, educators or concerned readers.

Avery informative and moving book on a timely subject.
I found "Heroin", by Humberto Fernandez, a fascinating read. Iespecially enjoyed the personal stories.It's an indepth and engaging lookat this terrible drug. I really feel it is a useful tool for anyone touchedby Heroin. A powerful and important book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drugs And Health    2. Health/Fitness    3. Heroin    4. Heroin abuse    5. History    6. Medical    7. Methadone maintenance    8. Recovery    9. Self-Help    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    11. Toxicology    12. Treatment    13. Alcoholism    14. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    15. Drug addiction & substance abuse    16. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (2)

Therapist Recommends "The Sober Kitchen"
Liz Scott was a professional chef when she stopped drinking.She worried how she could continue to work when her relationship with alcohol had changed so drastically.She found a way to continue cooking professionally without using alcohol OR sacrificing gourmet excellence or exquisite taste.I found Liz Scott's "The Sober Kitchen" when looking for a gift for a sober friend.I ended up buying a copy for myself after reading the great recipes and the sober self-care explanations that are so sensible, whether one is in recovery or just living life on its own terms, no easy feat today.I have drawn upon Ms. Scott's wisdom in my daily work with recovering men and women and have recommended her book to many people.I commend Ms. Scott for sharing her own story in the hope that others will be helped. Her "be-good-to-yourself, you've-been-through-a-lot" attitude towards preparing and enjoying food could benefit virtually anyone, not just the newly sober.Check it out!

A Tremendous Service
Liz Scott has done a tremendous service to those recovering from substance abuse and others who choose to cook without alcoholRead more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Cookery    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Diet therapy    5. Health & Healing - General    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. General cookery    10. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (3)

Great Buy
Great buy, would definately recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the affects of alcohol in their life.

A Powerful Testament
Alcoholism cuts across all divides, afflicting the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the famous, the unknown.In this very absorbing book, author and interviewer Dennis Wholey meets with a few of them and presents their thoughts on how they became alcoholics, how it affected their lives, and what they did in an effort to control their disease.
This book changed my life
When I read The Courage to Change the first time (1987, the original edition) it changed my life because it explained alcoholism in a concrete way that was easy to understand.The stories from alcoholic (and somenonalcoholic) celebrities go a long way toward illustrating the damage thisdisease causes while showing that you don't have to be the proverbialfalling-down drunk or daily drinker to be an alcoholic.The stories also,by the way, are entertaining and show the humanity of some of the householdnames who tell them.Wholey mixes up the rhythm of this book enough thatyou don't get bored. Something here for everyone--I've personally boughtliterally more than 12 copies to give away.I recommend it highly. Thanks, Dennis Wholey! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Biography    3. Recovery    4. Rehabilitation    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. United States    8. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    9. Self-Help / Alcoholism   

Reviews (8)

The Betty Ford Center Book of Answers
This was eye opening. I am the family member of an alcoholic and this book tells the truth about addiction!

Essential for addicts/alcoholics and their families
This book is written in a simple question and answer format. This helps make important information very understandable. The book covers both alcoholism and drug addiction and basically, they are the same disease since alcohol is a drug. What Dr. West makes clear is that addiction is a life long battle. Even after years of recovery, relapsing is possible. Accordingly, it is essential to attend AA meetings or NA meetings even after years of sobriety. If you learn only one thing from this book, it should be that recovery never ends and that, therefore, the alcoholic must never again have a drink and that the addict must never again try any kind of mood altering drug, regarless of whether that drug is legal or not.
My Life was Saved
During Family week at the BFC I sat in a lecture conducted by Dr. West. It was during this informal lecture that I came to the reality that I had all of the characteristics of an alcoholic and was in need of help to save my life just as much if not more than the family member I was there for. The main item in the "Book of Answers" that made me realize this, among other things, is listed on pages 20-21. Dr. West reviewed them and realized I had most of the attributes of an alcoholic.
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Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. General    4. Health/Fitness    5. Miscellanea    6. Neurology - General    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - Addiction    9. Recovery    10. Self-Help    11. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    12. Substance abuse    13. Treatment    14. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    15. Drug addiction & substance abuse    16. Family & Relationships-General    17. Medical / Neurology    18. Self-Help / General    19. Self-Substance Abuse & Addictions - General   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism    2. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Brief Therapy    4. Physician-Patient Relations    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Addiction    7. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    8. Solution-focused therapy    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    10. Treatment    11. rehabilitation    12. Drug addiction & substance abuse   

Editorial Review

When Michael Dorris, 26, single, working on his doctorate, and part Indian himself, applied to adopt an Indian child, his request was speedily granted. He knew that his new three-year-old son, Adam, was badly developmentally disabled; but he believed in the power of nurture and love. This is the heartrending story, full of compassion and rage, of how his son grew up mentally retarded, a victim of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome whom no amount of love could make whole. The volume includes a short account of his own life by the 20-year-old Adam, and a foreword by Dorris' wife, the writer Louise Erdrich. Read more

Reviews (13)

People Who Work With Kids Need to Read This
This memoir/ public health history is engaging, disturbing and educational.It touched on many things to which I can relate...having a degree in anthropology (as the author does), being a former social worker and currently in school to become Special Ed. teacher I want to give this book to everyone I know who doesn't live in my world and see these things happening around them and to those who do live in my world so we can start a discussion about how to combat this tragedy.
A book to change your world
I consider this one of the most important books I've ever read (and like you, I've read A LOT of books).It's one of the few books you pick up in a lifetime that change how you see the world.Along with "Plagues and Peoples" and "Guns, Germs and Steel," it's in my permanent Top Three for non-fiction books.
Coping with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Michael Dorris, a single 26 year old professor of Native American Studies at Dartmouth, decided he wanted to adopt a child by himself, he didn't really know what he was getting himself into in The Broken Cord by Michael Dorris, a book that should be highly recommended to any reader.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Family relationships    5. Fetal alcohol syndrome    6. General    7. Patients    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. United States    10. Family & Relationships / General   

Subjects:  1. Alcoholism (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    3. Group psychotherapy    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Neurology - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Addiction    8. Recovery    9. Substance abuse    10. Treatment    11. Addiction & therapy    12. Psychiatry   

Reviews (6)

12 Steps for Adult Children of Alcoholics
This is a wonderful tool for anyone dealing with the issues of being a child of an alcoholic.This book assists you in an enlightening journey and provides a roadmap for the trip.A MUST HAVE for any adult child.

12 Steps, but not specifically for Adult Children
I have been in Recovery for amost two years now and I am definately an ACOA. I attend a fellowship regularly and work with a sponsor, and I am also in therapy. I have issues that stem from my childhood that include my own addictions. I have recently bought a 12 step guide for most of my major issues. I now have the AA Big Book, the 12 & 12, the NA Basic Text, the It Works How & Why, The Co-Dependents Guide to the 12 steps, The OA 12 step guide, Hope & Recovery 12 steps for Compulsive Sexual Behavior. For me, I cannot read just one text. I have alot of issues and I need to see these issues translated to my particular problem. That way, whatever problem I may have in any given day, I can "look it up" with this little 12 step reference library I have and then reflect on it.
PLAGIRISM - already published as The 12 Steps: A Way Out
This book is nothing more than the book published by the same group (Friends In Recovery)called The 12 Steps: A Way Out. They stuck a new cover on it with a different title. The words are identical. This is shameless! Since I already own the other book, if found it a COMPLETE WASTE of $$$. I returned the book to Amazon for a complete refund! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Recovery    2. Self-Help    3. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    4. Twelve-Step Programs   

Reviews (2)

Comprehensive text for medical management of addictions
This year, I needed a comprehensive text to help me put together a lecture on substance use disorders for psychiatrists taking their board exams. It had been some time since I, a psychologist who conducts research on co-occurring disorders, had updated myself generally on current knowledge regarding substance use disorders. This text was very useful for this purpose; I can see it being a useful reference guide for medical practioners concerned with treating those with substance use disorders. I found Schuckit's classification of substances by their effects (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens) rather than trying to present information on similar-acting drugs individually (cocaine, amphetamines) particularly useful. The chapters are concise and well-written and loaded with details as noted by the previous reviewer.
New Book Provides Critical Guide to Treating Drug Emergencie
Addiction Treatment Forum (www.atforum.com) book review; September 2000;Stewart B. Leavitt, PhD, Editor -- Simply put, Drug and Alcohol Abuse: AClinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment; 5th edition. is a book that mayhelp save lives. In this 380 page text, Marc A. Schuckit, MD provides anoverview of drug classifications and mechanisms, and covers thepharmacology and mental/physical effects of alcohol, depressants,stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis, and more. Most critical,there is an emphasis throughout the book on how to deal with emergencymedical problems related to drug abuse, dependency, andoverdose.Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Psychopathology - Addiction    3. Addiction & therapy    4. Alcoholism    5. Drug addiction & substance abuse    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Subjects:  1. Drug And Alcohol Abuse Treatment    2. Drug abuse    3. Drug addiction    4. Family Psychotherapy    5. Family therapy    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - Addiction    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    10. Treatment    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Family Therapy   

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History - U.S.    5. Prohibition    6. Prohibition Party (U.S.)    7. Temperance    8. United States    9. United States - 20th Century (1900-1945)    10. Alcoholism    11. Drug addiction & substance abuse    12. Ethical issues & debates    13. Modern period, c 1500 onwards    14. Pressure groups & lobbying    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

Like "Big Book II" for people with several years' sobriety
If you are "sober but stuck," then this book really may be for you. I know when I was sober nine years, I felt like I was slogging through mud; I wasn't happy and I felt somewhat hopeless to expect things to improve. I mentioned this feeling and somebody recommended that I read this book. I took their advice (uncharacteristically for me at the time) and got it, and I am very glad I did. Reading it and taking some of the suggestions found within really gave me a needed boost in my sobriety. The book is organized like the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," story by story, and features personal contributions from men and women on each of many tough topics that alcoholics face in recovery after they have gotten to a place of steady sobriety. Many alcoholics survive active addiction only to find they have channeled their disease into other destructive outlets like gambling, sex addiction, codependency, etc. Even if you haven't had to deal with secondary addictions, it is a highly worthy title on the recovery bookshelf, and I recommend it for any struggling alcoholic in recovery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alcoholics    2. Alcoholism    3. Case studies    4. General    5. Psychological aspsects    6. Rehabilitation    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    9. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Alcohol Abuse    2. Alcoholics    3. Alcoholism    4. Criminology    5. Drinking of alcoholic beverage    6. Drinking of alcoholic beverages    7. History    8. Psychopathology - Addiction    9. Rehabilitation    10. Social Policy    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - General    14. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism    15. Drinking of alcoholic beverages--History    16. Drug addiction & substance abuse    17. Law    18. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (20)

Addiction isn't the answer to the "whys"!
To J. Hanson,
Walk a Mile in my Moccasins
Why would a skid row alcoholic CHOOSE to live (and eventually die) in that condition?Why would an otherwise caring mother CHOOSE to abandon/sell/prostitute her kids for drug money?Why would a decent, hardworking father CHOOSE to gamble away his life's work and his family's security?
excellent choice to read
fact filled book backing the fact that peoples choices have a direct impact on their life.Having a wife who has been in AA for over a year as well as psychological and psychiatric help for 4 years and with no positive changes, I can attest that she is good at going to her meetings and thoroughly enjoys the acceptance for her behavior found at the cult.She commisurates with others in her feelings of being defective, powerless and helpless.The 2 boys we have have been negleted even more now and now my wife feels that God will look out for us.She continues to transfer her dependency to the AA group,the bed and TV. The book makes it clear that people make choices good and bad.People choose to be lazy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choice (Psychology)    2. Compulsive behavior    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - Addiction    5. Self-Help    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Substance abuse    8. Alcoholism    9. Drug addiction & substance abuse    10. Gambling addiction    11. Popular psychology